Extrusion International USA 5-2019

PREVIEW 62 Extrusion International 5/2019 K 2019 is where ProTec Polymer Processing will be pre- senting the SOMOS RDF modular resin drying system for flexible stationary use without a central dry air generator. The system consists of autonomously operating units with their own Industry 4.0-capable controllers. Depending on requirements and desired throughput, the individual modules can be combined into a variable overall system with central visualization and control. Another premiere at K 2019 is a high-speed retrofit for ProTec’s LFT pultrusion lines. This retrofit can straightfor- wardly boost the production speed of existing manufac- turing lines for high quality long fiber reinforced thermo- plastic pellets from 30 m/min to 50 m/min, so considerably increasing output of high quality pellets and cutting pro- duction costs. To illustrate the many and varied possibilities offered by an LFT pultrusion line, ProTec will also be showing various products produced on the line. ProTec will also be giving live demonstrations of physical foaming using the “SOMOS Perfoamer” manufacturing solution, which was presented in 2018, and offering an overview of its comprehensive range of components and solutions for efficient materials handling. Modules with their own dry air supply can be combined to create a complete RDF system: Depending on the required throughput, the modular sta- tionary RDF (Resin Dryer Flexible) drying system can be made up of a number of independently operating dry- ing modules. Components are available with capacities of between 50 and 400 liters, each one being individually controllable by its own controller. Alternatively, when interconnected, they can be controlled using a common operator control unit. As standard, they offer drying tem- peratures of 60°C to 140°C and high-temperature vari- ants for up to 180°C are also available. Each module has an integrated air generator, so ruling out complete fail- ure, as may occur with a centrally supplied drying system. Installation requires little space and effort as the mod- ules are compact and, in comparison with a central dry- ing system, do not require extensive supply and return air piping. The RDF modular drying system also saves energy because only the components which are actually required are operated. If requirements change, modules can be simply added or removed. Like the tried and trusted mobile SOMOS RDM series resin dryers, the RDF modules also have an Industry 4.0-capable PLC controller capable of storing up to 200 formulations. They have their own dry air generators and also provide Two premieres at K 2019 Depending on the required throughput, the modular stationary SOMOS RDF (Resin Dryer Flexible) resin drying system can be made up of a number of independently operating drying modules, this system comprising four components (Photos: ProTec Polymer Processing) A high-speed retrofit is the straightforward way to boost production speed on existing ProTec LFT pultrusion lines for manufacturing high quality long fiber reinforced thermoplastic pellets and to distinctly increase pellet production volumes